Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted his TDIU claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for separate ratings for neurologic abnormalities associated with his service-connected cervical and thoracic spine disabilities, finding that there are no neurological abnormalities associated with these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance because there was no evidence that his service-connected disabilities rendered him bedridden or helpless to the extent he needed regular assistance.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions, including skin disorders, prostate cancer, cardiac disorder, diabetes mellitus, and foot disorders. The remand requires verification of exposure to pesticides or insecticides, such as DDT and Lindane, during service in Korea.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for polyneuropathy, to include peripheral neuropathy, of the bilateral feet was dismissed due to his death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected left trigeminal neuropathy and denied his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The evidence showed that the Veteran had mild to moderate incomplete paralysis of the fifth cranial nerve, but did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has dismissed all issues on appeal except for the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death.,The appellant withdrew her appeals regarding bilateral great toe and ankle disabilities, right lower extremity neuropathy, left lower extremity neuropathy, arterial reconstruction of the left lower extremity, and depression.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including hypertension and erectile dysfunction, are granted. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bladder cancer, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and Raynaud’s disease (also claimed as CREST syndrome), all of which are alleged to be due to herbicide agent exposure during his military service in the Republic of Vietnam. The VA will obtain medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if there is a relationship between the Veteran's current conditions and his service, including any potential exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's right ulnar neuropathy is rated at 30 percent since February 1, 2011. His right elbow epicondylitis with limitation of flexion was granted a 10 percent rating from February 1, 2011 to January 9, 2020 and a 20 percent rating on and after January 10, 2020.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities as secondary to service-connected diabetes. Service connection was denied for a low back condition and a bilateral knee condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities was denied as there is no evidence linking it to his military service, including presumed herbicide exposure. The Board found that the condition did not manifest within a year after his last exposure and is more likely related to diabetes and alcohol dependence.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD prior to November 26, 2019 was denied as there is no evidence of occupational and social impairment warranting a higher rating. The condition has been rated at 50% since that date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including IHD, diabetes, renal insufficiency, and bilateral hearing loss, have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on this evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a VA opinion regarding whether any peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities may be aggravated by the Veteran’s service-connected type II diabetes mellitus.

The Board has dismissed the issues of service connection for DDD of the lumbar spine, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity due to lack of a timely appeal.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea and peripheral neuropathy of both feet, finding no evidence to support a causal link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disorder and peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for initial disability ratings greater than 10 percent for service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the right and left upper extremities due to inadequate medical opinion. The skin disability claim is not currently before the Board.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy due to inadequate medical opinions. The AOJ is instructed to obtain addendum opinions addressing the etiology of these disabilities.